A moment at the long-term care home
I visited my Mom today, picking up her favourite chicken dinner for both of us and bringing it to her residence. We ate in the family kitchen which has a view of the residents' lounge.
After the other residents finished dinner some returned to their rooms and others went outdoors to enjoy a few more minutes of daylight. I'm getting to know some of the folks now, and while many are cognitively well, others are much less so.
Staff parked one woman in a wheelchair in front of the tv, but her expression was blank and she didn't so much as move her head or seem to notice the program that was on.
A gentleman pushing his walker slowly made his way to her side. She didn't notice him until he gently reached down to take her hand. Instantly she tilted her head up to look directly at him and I was amazed at the big, beautiful smile on her face! He spoke to her quietly for a few moments then took a chair nearby. She beamed that wonderful smile at him for a long, long time but never spoke a word.
Like so many others I tend to rush through my days, mentally ticking off things done and yet to do, taking satisfaction in accomplishments. Yet what that gentleman accomplished in a matter of minutes is far more meaningful.